Pearce said: "Part of the job spec would be getting to the clubs, meeting the managers and forging tighter links with the players and managers, so the situation which has occurred this time doesn't reoccur."

The England U21 coach has refused to pin the blame on Blackburn for Bentley's withdrawal.

He said: "Players are totally responsible for their own destiny and I think that is the case this time.

"It probably suits the club that the player is rested and ready for next season. But if David himself said 'I want to go to this tournament' it wouldn't be a problem in Blackburn releasing him.

"I have another of their players here in Matt Derbyshire so it is not a blanket ban from the club."